Saints’ push for NWACs falls short

The Saints’ volleyball season came to an end Wednesday night, after a late-season push to squeak into the NWAC championship tournament. The Saints lost to Clark College in a must-win match in Vancouver, Washington, three sets to zero.

Mt. Hood had the opportunity had they won, and Umpqua lost its own match, to grab the fourth and final spot in the NWAC South to make the playoffs. Unfortunately the Saints fell behind early in each of the first two sets and lost, 25-21 and 25-14. The hole was too large for them to climb out of. They looked outmatched, and lost the final set, 25-17.

It was definitely a discouraging way to go out, especially for the sophomores. But the Saints really saw their season turn around. They started off 1-5 in division play with many matches not as close as they would have liked. Then it was like a spark was lit under them. They won two in a row, one from Southwestern Oregon and one from Umpqua. Then they faced undefeated Linn-Benton, and lost. Except in their loss they battled, even winning the first set. It was a big deal, considering Linn-Benton had only lost seven sets total all season heading into that night.

Then the Saints won two of their next three matches. Which brought them to this game against Clark, 5-8 in division play and having won four of their last six matches.

But the dominos didn’t fall into place, with Mt. Hood’s loss and Umpqua’s victory Wednesday.

Despite the loss the Saints held their heads high after the match. They high-fived Clark and wished the Penguins good luck in the NWACs. Afterward, freshman outside hitter Hannah Spears was proud of the season they played.

“I think we had a really slow start to the season but so many people have improved since the beginning, and became more confident and that helped us a lot,” Spears said. “I think we really stepped up these last few games and showed we really wanted to get to the tournament. Everyone has been working so hard in practice; we just decided to start playing too late and if we had just won a couple games, like (against) Lane, we would’ve been to the NWACs, no doubt.”

Sophomore outside hitter Jazmayne Williams said, “I’m really bummed about us not making it to the tournament, but I’m really happy with the progress that we’ve made throughout the season.

“Although we had some bumps along the way, we never failed to step up for our sister alongside of us, if one is struggling. Despite the many injuries we’ve had, we never let that dawn on us, we just kept pushing harder and harder. But, despite us not making the tournament I would never trade my girls for anyone else,” she said.

Spears talked about Williams’ impact on the team, and how it will affect them not having her next season.

“It’s going to be really tough. She’s such a great player and it’s going to be tough not having her out there with us next year,” Spears said. “She kills it every game and gives the team so much energy.”

Besides Williams, sophomores Courtney Smith, Hunter Sterkel, Erin Perry, Hannah Snyder will all clearly be missed.

Williams reflected on playing her final game. “Honestly, it hasn’t kicked in yet, I don’t know why… this team was very special to me,” she said. “I really felt like I’ve played with these girls all my life; they inspired me to push through when times get tough. I have never been on a volleyball team where the girls treated me like their sister and made me feel like I was meant to be on this team for a reason.”

As for next season, Spears said, “We have really strong returning girls and we’re all willing to work as hard as we can to make it there. I think we all have a strong drive to make our season better next year.”